Epson EH-TW9000W Review - More Performance Results Review

Sections

Handily, though, a little experimentation reveals that while you can’t completely eradicate crosstalk, you can certainly minimise it below the levels initially experienced. And all you have to do is switch the projector from its default 3D Dynamic preset to the provided 3D Cinema mode, which delivers its much-reduced crosstalk at the expense of what seemed to us to be an entirely acceptable reduction in brightness.

Epson’s 2D LCD projection credentials have been strong for many years now. So it’s actually no great surprise to find that the TW9000W’s 2D performance is very good indeed for its price point. Or at least it is once you’ve ironed out a few ‘wrinkles’.

Looking at these wrinkles first, sticking just with the provided presets, we found the key Cinema and Natural modes both looking slightly over-warm thanks to a red bias. So we felt compelled to tone this down via the colour management system.

We also found the projector running slightly noisily in its Normal light output mode, making the Eco mode the much preferred option so long as you get your room decently dark. We’d also urge caution with the dynamic iris option, for while this can slightly improve the apparent contrast, it also causes a minor sporadic ‘burring’ noise from the projector – though the shifts in brightness aren’t distracting or ‘vulgar’ like they can be on many other dynamic contrast projectors.

Perhaps the single most irritating flaw of the TW9000W – as it’s one we couldn’t find a way round – is the way it seems to lose focus slightly from time to time, requiring a readjustment. We’ve noticed this issue too with some previous Epson projectors over protracted use.

Getting into the good stuff about the TW9000W’s performance, its contrast is excellent, even using the Eco lamp mode. Blacks look deep and natural, yet this is accomplished without ‘squeezing out’ shadow detail as happens with many lesser affordable projectors.

The strong black level performance can be achieved without needing the auto contrast system too, making it easier for some punchy whites and colours to share screen space with rich black tones.

Colours look accurate and subtle once the initial red undertone has been manipulated away, and HD pictures look effortlessly detailed and crisp. Motion is handled very well too, even without the provided Frame Interpolation system. However, if you do want to reduce even the slight amount of judder found in the TW9000W’s standard mode, the Frame Interpolation system’s lowest setting reduces judder while introducing practically no unpleasant side effects.

With some comfortably above average standard def upscaling also among the TW9000W’s talents, the bottom line is that after a little calibration work and except for when the focus drifts, the TW9000W’s 2D pictures are as relaxing and immersive as they are pure and sharp.

VerdictIt may have taken Epson longer to deliver a 3D projector than expected, but based on the TW9000W, the wait has been more than worthwhile. It isn’t without its flaws and needs a little calibration work to get the very best out of it, but overall it’s a stellar effort with both 3D and 2D.

Trusted Score

Score in detail

John Archer has written about, and been immersed in the world of, home entertainment technology for over 20 years. He intends to continue in this vein until he becomes too frail to lift ridiculously b…

Unlike other sites, we thoroughly test every product we review. We use industry standard tests in order to compare features properly. We’ll always tell you what we find. We never, ever accept money to review a product.
Tell us what you think - send your emails to the Editor.